Student Ergonomics

A student with headphones sits at a table in front of a laptop

Spending hours slouched over your laptop and staring at your screen can cause long-term musculoskeletal symptoms. Right now, you may not feel it, but over time if your posture is not corrected you may feel it a couple of years down the line.

By practicing good ergonomics, you will be putting less strain on your body which will lower the risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms. This will also increase your productivity as a student. Once you graduate from school, you will enter the workforce and you should be knowledgeable on how to practice good ergonomics. Ergonomics goes beyond just sitting down in front of a computer. Ergonomics addresses the fit between the person, task, and environment to help prevent musculoskeletal injuries and optimize productivity and promote safety and health.

Recommendations

Background is a photo of a woman in a blue shirt sitting at a desk with a laptop and stretching with her arms overhead. In the foreground is text that says "Stretches: Hip and Knee" and has the TWU Environmental Health and Safety logo
Background is a photo of a woman in a blue shirt sitting at a desk with a laptop and stretching with her arms overhead. In the foreground is text that says "Stretches: Elbow and Hand" and has the TWU Environmental Health and Safety logo
Background is a photo of a woman in a blue shirt sitting at a desk with a laptop and stretching with her arms overhead. In the foreground is text that says "Stretches: Back" and has the TWU Environmental Health and Safety logo
Background is a photo of a woman in a blue shirt sitting at a desk with a laptop and stretching with her arms overhead. In the foreground is text that says "Stretches: Shoulder" and has the TWU Environmental Health and Safety logo
Background is a photo of a woman in a blue shirt sitting at a desk with a laptop and stretching with her arms overhead. In the foreground is text that says "Stretches: Neck" and has the TWU Environmental Health and Safety logo
White text on a yellow background that reads, "Study Locations: Setting Up Your Workstation". There are four pictures depicting a desk with a laptop on top, a bed, a wooden floor meeting a white wall, and a gray fabric couch.
Pictures of different devices (laptop, tablet, smartphone). The heading text reads "How to best use your device". There is an email listed for TWU Risk Management (risk@twu.edu).
Infographic describing the importance of taking breaks to prevent musculoskeletal systems
Graphic featuring wooden body models, the words "Body Mechanics", and the logo for TWU Environmental Health and Safety
Infographic describing different recommendations to alleviate eye discomfort.
Infographic describing different recommendations for using/wearing backpacks

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer virtual assessments if I am located at the Dallas or Houston campus?

Yes! If you are located at the Dallas or Houston campus, we can schedule a time to conduct an ergonomics assessment virtually.

If I am a commuter at the Denton campus, am I still able to have an assessment done?

Yes, all students will be given the option to meet in person or virtually.

How do I request an assessment?

Fill out the Student Ergonomics Questionnaire. We will get in contact with you via email to schedule a time for the assessment.

Is the assessment free?

Yes, there is no cost to you to have an ergonomic assessment conducted.

What does the evaluator check for during the assessment?

During the assessment, the evaluator observes risk factors such as repetition, awkward postures, and duration while working or studying. We recommend that you work how you normally would when being assessed to offer accurate recommendations.

How long does the assessment take?

The assessment could take up to 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of workspace(s) and tasks.

What happens after the assessment?

After the assessment, the student will receive the findings and product recommendations specific to reducing ergonomic risk factors.

Who pays for the ergonomic product recommendations?

The student will be responsible for procuring the ergonomic recommendations provided.

I am not experiencing any pain and/or discomfort, should I still sign up?

Signing up for assessments is at the student's discretion. We do recommend students follow the Student Ergonomics Guideline to offer more insight.

Page last updated 3:49 PM, November 14, 2022 

Environmental Health and Safety
1605 N Locust St
P.O. Box 425619
Denton, TX 76204-5619
940-898-4001
risk@twu.edu